Operator Sales Specialist

Live your Values and Love your Job with FSE!!

Are you a foodservice professional looking for more balance, flexibility, and long-term growth—without leaving the industry you love?

At Food Sales East (FSE), we represent leading foodservice brands and help them grow through meaningful operator and distributor relationships. We’re seeking a field-based Operator Sales Specialist to join our team in the Knoxville, TN market.

This role includes local travel, weekly time in our local office, and occasional overnight travel for food shows, sales meetings or other business-related events.

JOB SUMMARY

Represent our clients by selling their products to foodservice operators and supporting Distributor Sales Representatives (DSRs). This role focuses on relationship-building, territory management, and executing sales activities that drive growth for FSE and our manufacturer partners. A strong culinary background is highly valued, as this position often involves supporting menu development, conducting product demonstrations, and speaking the language of chefs and operators.

LOCATION - Knoxville, TN

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and manage a pipeline of new and existing operator accounts
• Support DSRs with product solutions and menu support
• Meet sales goals through proactive planning and execution
• Represent FSE and our clients at GSMs, food shows, and in the field
• Submit sales plans each period (PTC), aligned to market goals
• Maintain accurate CRM records (Salesforce) and reporting
• Submit weekly itineraries, expense reports, and key account updates

QUALIFICATIONS & TRAITS FOR SUCESS

• Foodservice industry background required
• Culinary, cooking, or restaurant operations experience preferred
• B2B sales experience a plus
• Strong relationshipbuilding and communication skills
• Highly organized and selfmotivated
• Adaptable to shifting priorities and local market needs
• Proficient in Excel, Outlook, and CRM systems
• Valid driver’s license; able to lift 40 lbs and stand for extended periods

WHAT WE OFFER

FSE is a values-driven foodservice sales agency with over 60 years of success. We support our people with a team-first culture built on trust, transparency, and doing the right thing.

Our compensation and benefits include:

• Base salary + bonus opportunities
• Car and cell phone allowance
• PTO and company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid travel for food shows and other businessrelated events
• Ongoing growth and advancement opportunities

Ready to Make a Move?

Apply today and grow your foodservice career with FSE.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

About Food Sales East LLC

Food Sales East is Your Go-To Partner That Offers Reliable, Proven Performance for the Foodservice Industry. Food Sales East is a trusted advisor to customers in nine states across the Southeastern United States. We have 12 offices located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and are part of Sales One, a group of like-minded sales agencies working together to provide the best go-to-market solutions in the industry.